It took me a month or two to narrow down my search for a fishing kayak. I compared the following, and I’ll tell you why I went with the Native Falcon 11. As a beginner in kayak fishing, I wasn’t looking for the craziest kayak. I don’t need pedal-drive, don’t need any electronics. I just want something to get me out on the water for a few hours.
For fishing I really was looking for:
- Price around $1000
- No pedal drive (just wanted to paddle, keep it lighter and more simple)
- Gear tracks that aren’t proprietary (ones that work with the major accessory companies)
- An actual chair, not just a cushion
- Foot rests that adjust
- Spot in the back for a fishing crate
- Not too heavy (ideally around 60lbs)
Here are the kayaks I was looking into:
- Ascend 10t
- Crescent UltraLite
- Vibe yellowfin 100
- NRS Kuda (inflatable)
- NRS Pike (inflatable)
- Wilderness Systems tarpon 105
- Blackfoot Angler 130
- Pescador pro
- Nucanoe F10
- Moken 10 lite V2
- Native Ultimate FX 12
- Native Falcon 11
A lot of these kayaks are very similar. I’d never tried any fishing kayak, but learned a lot about them from YouTube reviews. In the end, I was really between the NRS inflatable kayaks, Native Falcon 11, Crescent Ultralite.
I ultimately ended up with the Native Falcon 11 after finding it on Facebook marketplace for a good deal but I really think I would have been happy with any of these I listed above.
I didn’t go with the NRS inflatables due to resale value. I feel that people have a negative view of inflatables, despite their durability, and if I wanted to resell the kayak at some point I’d have a hard time due to it being inflatable.
Right now I’m even looking into a fishing standup paddle board to more easily throw in the water too. I live on the third floor of an apartment so it’s not the easiest thing at the moment to carry the kayak down (need two people) and put it on the roof of our truck. So while we live in the apartment I think it’d be nice having a nice throw-and-go SUP board to get out on the water. That’ll be my next review!
Accessories I’ve bought for the kayak so far:
YakAttack DoubleHeader with Dual RotoGrip Paddle Holder
Got this on sale. I got this to replace the plastic clip holder on the side of the kayak, it just didn’t seem reliable.
Yak Attack Omega Pro Universal Fishing Rod Holder
Got this on sale. Definitely recommend having a rod holder upfront with you.
ForEverlast Inc. Generation 2 Floating Fishing Landing Net
Added some extra PVC pipe to the handle to make it longer
3.5 lbs Boat Anchor
Good for setting up in one spot so you aren’t getting moved around while fishing.
Retractable Safety Coiled Lanyard with Aluminium Alloy Carabiner Clip
Good for clipping tools to my PFD or the kayak
Astral, GreenJacket Life Jacket PFD
Best PFD on the market. I always wear one. It’s pricey but good for kayaking, whitewater, etc. You can find sales on them under $300
Bending Branches Angler Ace 2-Piece Snap-Button Fishing Kayak Paddle
Probably the lightest paddle on the market. Really liked it so far. Got this on clearance because it was on older model, so look out for deals.